China's consulate in Sapporo reported that a Hongkonger was beaten on the head with a beer bottle at a restaurant in the Japanese city early on Wednesday, with police arresting a suspect at the scene. The consulate has urged authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and reiterated advice for Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan for now while enhancing safety precautions.
The attack took place in the early hours of Wednesday at a restaurant in Sapporo, where a Hongkonger was beaten on the head with a beer bottle. China's Consulate General in Sapporo stated that it has made representations to local police, demanding they hold the perpetrators accountable under the law and protect the safety and rights of Chinese citizens.
The consulate said: “The [consulate] has made representations to the local police, requiring the police to seriously hold the perpetrators accountable in accordance with the law and effectively safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.”
It further reminded: “The Chinese consulate general in Sapporo once again reminds Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan in the near future, and reminds Chinese citizens in the consular district to pay close attention to the local security situation, improve safety awareness and strengthen self-protection.”
This incident comes amid stalled relations between Beijing and Tokyo, following remarks by recently re-elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November that an attack on Taiwan would be a security threat potentially prompting military intervention from Japan. Reports indicate the Japanese PM is open to talks with China.
Sapporo police confirmed arresting a suspect at the scene but provided no further details. The event highlights safety concerns for Chinese nationals in Japan against the backdrop of current geopolitical tensions.